Back to Westminster

The UK Parliament returns at the start of September after a five week recess. We’re expecting some frenetic activity including a possible vote of confidence in the Government which could trigger an election this autumn. It’s maybe worth remembering that Boris Johnson has no mandate for the no-deal Brexit he’s now dragging us toward. He also became Prime Minister in an election in which fewer than half a percent of the population was allowed to vote, and he has never been approved by Parliament. By contract every First Minister of Scotland, indeed every Minister in the Scottish Government, has to be approved by a vote in the Scottish Parliament.

Recess Activities

I managed to get a week’s holiday during recess but for the rest of the time I’ve been busy in the constituency. I’ve held surgeries in eighteen different communities as well as meeting with a wide range of local businesses and community groups. Being in the constituency is a vital part of my job, and I’m grateful for all the appreciative comments I’ve had from people I’ve met while I’ve been out and about.

Mossmorran Flaring

One of my recess meetings was with the boss of the Fife Ethylene Plant at Mossmorran, to express my concern at the ongoing unplanned flaring. It can’t be stressed often enough that although this flaring looks and sounds alarming it’s a safe practice, but it undeniably causes huge disruption to people’s lives through noise, vibration and light pollution. While I have little time for those who seek to use understandable public concern in support of their own private agendas, it’s clear that the communities near the plant have run out of patience. Recent action by SEPA shows that they are also determined to see the problems fixed, permanently, and soon.

Cardenden Village Fair

The weather gods were definitely smiling on Cardenden last weekend for the annual village fair. The organisers were worried until a couple of days before that the ground might be too waterlogged; in the event it was sunblocker rather than wellies that we all needed. As well as being well supported by commercial trade stalls, the Fair was a good chance to catch up with the extraordinary range of voluntary and community groups either based in Cardenden or run by folk from the village. A big thank you to them and to the volunteers who made the fair such a success. I even won four prizes on the various tombolas. Being a perfect gentleman I’m donating two to Mrs G. She can have the soap and hand cream, I’ll content myself with the wine and whisky!